Tuesday, June 23, 2026

World News

France reports 18 deaths as heatwave intensifies across Europe

France has reported 18 deaths, including two children, as a severe heatwave continues to affect Europe, with record temperatures recorded in several cities.

Oman News Agency

info@thearabianstories.com

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

PARIS – The extreme heat has forced thousands of French schools to close or adjust their schedules, while meteorologists in the United Kingdom warned that temperatures could exceed June records early next week.

Temperatures in Bordeaux, western France, reached 41.9 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous record set in August. In Poitiers, central France, temperatures climbed to 41.2 degrees Celsius, exceeding the highest level recorded there since 1947.

In Spain, temperatures approached 40 degrees Celsius, more than double the average for this time of year, according to the Reuters Climate Observatory.

The UK Met Office said a four-day heatwave could push temperatures above 39 degrees Celsius in some areas, potentially breaking the June temperature record of 35.6 degrees Celsius set in 1957 and 1976.

Meanwhile, Italy has issued red alerts in 12 cities due to the heatwave, including Milan, Turin, Venice, Bologna, Florence and Rome, as authorities warn residents to take precautions amid the rising temperatures.

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